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One of the great joys of the human experience is watching the seasons change. Now, winter is almost here, and just as you prepare yourself for the cold weather, so should you prepare your home. You don’t want to be caught during a blizzard with no heat. There are specific things you need to look for to make sure your home is winter-ready, and once you are aware of them; your inspection will be easy.

First, take a walk around the exterior of your home. Look for missing roof tiles, tree branches on the house, deteriorating shingles, broken window frames – essentially any kind of damage. If your siding is discolored it may mean that you have a problem with your gutter system. Notice cracks and holes, anything that would allow cold air into the home. You want your home’s exterior to be ready for rougher weather. Take care of any issues you find.

Now inspect the inside. Check for signs of water damage, like discolored ceilings and cracks in the walls. Is there any floor damage? Look carefully around doors and windows. Feel for air leaks. If you find any problems and don’t attend to them, you are asking for trouble down the line.

And don’t forget attics and basements. Look for signs of uninvited animals like nests and droppings. In your attic, be aware of any discolorations on the sheathing. This could be a signal that your roof leaks. Feel for wet joists, rafters, and insulation. A roof leak will be a major issue in winter if you don’t take care of it immediately. If you have a chimney, clean it out before it gets really cold. Make sure it is checked for signs of animal visitors. While in your basement, check for leaks around your water heater and your furnace. And while you’re at it test your home heating system to be sure everything is running smoothly.

Don’t forget to check your plumbing. Make sure there are no leaks around toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers.

Lastly, have a look in your breaker box and check all your electrical outlets. You will be using more electricity now and you don’t want to have any problems.

Taking care that your home is prepared for the cold and snow just makes good sense. This is a season to be enjoyed, one full of love and family. There is no reason why you should have to worry about problems in your home. And a simple going-over will easily let you know if there is anything you need to fix. See to your repairs, and enjoy the holidays!